I went to the Rockies. Camped for four nights. It was great. I know not everyone likes camping, but for me, getting out into the woods, pretty much putting the phone away — that was the only piece of technology my wife and I brought on the trip — with nothing but a book and a magazine and a hammock, man that’s great.

We cooked well. We enjoyed the stars. Sure, there was no campfire, but we did have my old (new actually, but it feels old) Coleman lantern.

And then there were the views of the mountains. Some lake swimming. A little hiking.

Seriously folks, it’s what you should all find a moment or three for in the summer.

What’s your favourite summer holiday spot? Get at me on email or on twitter.

Toronto Argonauts Ricky Foley, right, and Chad Owens pose on the red carpet during the 2015 Much Music Video Awards in Toronto on Sunday, June 21, 2015.Nathan Denette /
THE CANADIAN PRESS

Defensive end Ricky Foley poses for a photograph outside the Saskatchewan Roughriders dressing room after winning the Grey Cup on Sunday November 24, 2013 in Regina.Liam Richards /
THE CANADIAN PRESS

Tiffany McLennan (left) gives Toronto Argonauts defensive lineman Ricky Foley (right) a braclet she made that has the colours of all the CFL teams he’s played on at the Hotel Saskatchewan in Regina on Saturday July 4, 2015. The McLennan family of Yorkton met Foley when he played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.Michael Bell /
Regina Leader-Post

Ricky Foley mugs for the camera in 2006.Bill Keay /
Vancouver Sun

Ricky Foley (centre) jokes with teammates during practice at Canad Inns Stadium in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Saturday November 18, 2006. The Montreal Alouettes will face the B.C. Lions in the Grey Cup game on Sunday November 19, 2006.Tyler Anderson /
PROVINCE

I can’t even imagine what the coaches were thinking after witnessing the field they were handed.

What is it with baseball’s ability to attract jerks?

There are idiots in all sports. Guys and gals who just can’t let it go. For whatever reason, their brain is wired to just stay stuck in their hole. I’ve said this, or I’ve done this, and I can never go back.

Here’s the truth: it’s ok to change your mind. Sometimes you can just say you’re wrong. You won’t lose respect, in fact you might actually earn some added respect.

Also, don’t go out of your way to deny a guy a fun achievement. That’s the easiest way to lose respect forever.

The news is never good. It is now an undeniable fact that a large number of people who play America’s favorite game have more to worry about than bum knees, shoulders, elbows, and ankles, which have always been part of the deal. They might sustain brain damage. They might enter into a miserable, unimaginable life as early as their 40s. They might die prematurely, leaving behind grieving family and friends. No, this is not the fate of every NFL player. But is this a life anyone would want? Why risk it?

It’s a tremendous dilemma. It’s a marvellous, wonderful sport.

It’s also wreaking havoc with the post-career lives of many. The players are the primary victims, but their families and friends, who often deal with mood swings at the minimum, unspeakable violence at the worst, are caught up in this story too.

As a rugby coach, it’s a worry that I’ve had more than once: how safe can the game be? I’ve had parents ask about head injuries. All I can tell them is, as a coach, I always look to make things as safe as can be, but can I guarantee an athlete will be safe from concussion? Of course not. It’s a physical sport. There’s always a risk of a head knock.

A parent must have a frank discussion with their child about the risks and then make an informed decision.

What they must consider are the same guys Ryan notes in his column, the young men in their twenties who say “if I am to die, why not on the field of play?”

I’m with Ryan: how utterly stupid. Life does not begin and end on the field. Life begins and ends *off* the field.

We should do everything we can to make our favourite contact sports as safe as can be. We should talk openly about the risks inherent to them. There must be no denial of what might happen.

And we must know that life must come first, then somewhere further down the list comes the arena. Not vice versa.

Comments

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.

Almost Done!

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.